Yellowmargin triggerfish
📖 Overview
Inhabits coastal to inner reefs and estuaries, often in silty habitats . Found on lagoon slope and floor , also coral reefs. Generally solitary or in pairs . Young form small aggregations when common while adults are usually seen solitary, except when nesting and males congregate on certain sand flats adjacent to reefs . Feeds on tips of coral branches, gastropods, crustaceans, foraminiferans, and tunicates and also on sea urchins . Oviparous . Nest-guarding females are aggressive . Also caught with drive-in nets. Marketed fresh and dried-salted . Ciguatoxic in certain areas . Maximum depth reported taken from Ref. 128797.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24 - 27; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 22 - 25. Scales relatively large . : short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Yellowmargin triggerfish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Yellowmargin triggerfish is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Males migrate to a traditional spawning ground where they establish territories enclosing nest sites and egg chambers . Nesting occurs in sand-bottomed channels and shallow cuts through the barrier reef . The nest consist of depressions up to 2 m wide and 0.7 m deep . Females arrive several days later and select a male for mating . Exhibit biparental care . Up to 430,000 or more eggs may be deposited in a spongy fist-sized cluster weighted down with pieces of rubble . Males establish a territory for spawning and parental care but not for feeding . Only females tend the eggs but both parents keep guard .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 80 m . Tropical; 22°C - 27°C ; 34°N - 34°S, 27°E - 124°W East Africa eastward through northern Australia reaching Tuamotu Islands, north to southern Japan.
🌿 Ecology
tips of coral branches, gastropods, crustaceans, foraminiferans, and tunicates (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Yellowmargin triggerfish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.7 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 110 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Yellowmargin triggerfish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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